The Excelsior Award was established by the Rockford Register Star in 1979 to honor an organization or institution whose work has a positive effect on life in the Rock River Valley. The winning organization receives a plaque and check for $500.

"Northwestern Illinois Special Olympics depends on our volunteers to host all of the events that are so important to the close to 1,450 individuals with intellectual disabilities that are in our area. Kiwanis members are a crucial part of this volunteer matrix.

– Debbie Kelly, area director, Northwestern Illinois Special Olympics

What makes your group successful and different from other groups? Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time, said Randall Larson, membership chair. District 12 Kiwanis of Illinois and Eastern Iowa is a group of 440 volunteers from Greater Freeport, Rockford, Loves Park and Machesney Park.

What's in your future? Our future is extremely positive and optimistic as our combined eight service clubs are totally dedicated to their communities, the people and charitable organizations of need.

What is Kiwanis' biggest challenge? Our challenge of serving and raising funds for our community remains the central goal of our purpose. It has been the essential goal for decades and will remain the essential goal for decades to come. In the past 35 years, Division 12 Kiwanis Clubs have raised over $4 million for individual and charitable organizations. We will continue to do such by Brat Days, Pancake Days, Peanut Days, Kettle Korn endeavors and other projects. In addition, over the past 35 years we have provided over 500,000 service hours. Last year, our eight clubs raised over $300,000 and contributed 15,000 service hours.

Page 2 of 2 - How do Kiwanis clubs continue to provide services to the community? Each of the eight District 12 Kiwanis Clubs have their own officers, board of directors. They meet weekly and plan their own activities as well as respond to individual and community needs. We plan to continue those services for decades to come.